Racial and ethnic disparities in the treatment of a Medicaid population with schizophrenia.

ABSTRACT:

Objective

To assess health care disparities among black and Latino adults with schizophrenia receiving services during the period July 1994-June 2006, and to evaluate trends in observed disparities.

Data sources

Administrative claims data from the Florida Medicaid program. Data sources included membership files (demographic information), medical claims (diagnostic, service, and expenditure information), and pharmacy claims (prescriptions used and expenditures).

Study design

We identified adults with at least two schizophrenia claims during a fiscal year. We used generalized estimating equation models to estimate disparities in spending on psychotropic drugs, psychiatric inpatient services, all mental health services, and all health services.

Principal findings

SUBMITTER: Horvitz-Lennon M 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC2796317 | biostudies-literature | 2009 Dec

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature